President Bola Tinubu on Monday held a closed-door meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja with the Chief of Defence Staff, Olufemi Oluyede, alongside a French military general, in what sources describe as part of renewed efforts to strengthen international security cooperation.
The President also convened an emergency security session involving top security officials, including service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and heads of key intelligence agencies such as the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA).
The high-level meetings come in the aftermath of intensified attacks in the North-East, including an incident in Borno State where a military commander and six soldiers were killed by an improvised explosive device planted by insurgents.
Although official details of the discussions were not released, presidential sources confirmed that the engagement with the French delegation focused on defence collaboration, including military equipment support and training. The meeting reportedly reflects Nigeria’s ongoing push for international partnerships in tackling insurgency.
This development follows earlier statements by President Tinubu indicating that Nigeria had secured French cooperation in military assistance after discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron. The Presidency has maintained that such partnerships are part of broader efforts to strengthen the country’s security architecture.
Meanwhile, security challenges continue to escalate across parts of the country. A recent Nigerian Air Force operation targeting insurgent positions in Borno State sparked controversy after reports emerged that over 100 civilians were killed during an airstrike on a market area.
While the military maintained that the operation targeted terrorist logistics hubs, human rights organisations called for an independent investigation, alleging excessive use of force. The Presidency defended the operation, insisting the location was a legitimate military target.
In a separate development, the United States issued a security advisory authorising the voluntary departure of non-essential embassy staff from Abuja, citing worsening security conditions in parts of Nigeria. Several states were also placed under high-level travel warnings due to terrorism, banditry, and violent crime.
The Federal Government, however, dismissed concerns of a nationwide breakdown of order, insisting that insecurity remains localised despite ongoing challenges in certain regions.
In Borno State, the situation worsened further after a fresh attack by insurgents in Monguno led to the deaths of a commanding officer and six soldiers following an explosive ambush. Military authorities described the fallen officer as a courageous leader who died while attempting to assess the situation on the ground.
The Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, confirmed that troops repelled the attackers, but sustained losses during the encounter. The military praised the commander’s bravery, describing his actions as consistent with professional military leadership and dedication.
The violence is part of a broader wave of insecurity affecting several northern states, including renewed attacks in Benue State, where suspected armed herders killed multiple residents across several communities. A Mobile Police officer was also killed while responding to distress calls during one of the attacks.
Community leaders reported widespread displacement and ongoing search efforts for missing persons, as security agencies deploy additional personnel to restore order in affected areas.
Meanwhile, survivors of the controversial airstrike in Borno have continued to share accounts of the incident, describing confusion and devastation during the bombing operation. Some victims claimed they were unaware of any insurgent presence at the market, which they described as a major economic hub for livestock trading.
The military has defended the operation, stating that the strike targeted terrorist-linked logistics activities. However, conflicting narratives from local residents and officials have raised further questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
As security challenges persist across multiple regions, pressure continues to mount on the federal government to strengthen coordination, improve intelligence operations, and prevent further civilian and military casualties.
